The sudden change took many Bundalong residents and motorists by surprise.

According to VicRoads North Eastern Regional Director Bryan Sherritt the change was an outcome of the 2012 Victorian Speed Limit Review.

“One of these outcomes was the simplification of the current speed limit system which included a reduction in the number of changes to speed limits over a length of road,” Mr Sherritt said.

“Over time 70km per hour and 90km per hour speed zones will be gradually phased out. It is anticipated that this will reduce driver confusion and make it easier for road users to comply with advised speed limits without compromising safety.”

Bundalong will also now have a special reduced limit during the summer months.

“In Bundalong, a short section of the new 80km per hour speed limit will be reduced to 60km per hour during the summer months, recognising the seasonal increase in traffic movements in the area,” Mr Sherritt said.

The Bundalong speed limit was reduced from 90kms to 70kms in 2011 following a two-year campaign by the Bundalong Action Group with support from local police.

Tim O’Dwyer from the Bundalong Action Group said the group had not been made aware of the most recent change to the speed limit.

“We weren’t aware it was going to happen, but I can’t see that anyone will have a problem with it,” he said.

“From the group’s perspective the main thing was to have the limit reduced from 100kms to make it safer for vehicles turning onto the highway and that will still be the case.

“With respect to the lower limit in summer, it probably is a good idea because a lot of people are out and about crossing the road at that time of year.